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Dear Cindy - Future Career with an MPH or MHA – 5/10/2012

I did a pharmacy technician certificate and I want to continue for a Pharm.D (doctorate of pharmacy) but it takes a long time. Do you have any idea about a master’s in healthcare administration or public health as a good career in the future, and where I can have a job?

EM

Dear EM:

There are a number of settings where healthcare managers are needed, such as in hospitals, clinics and physician practices, insurance firms, nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities, public health departments, nonprofit organizations and consulting firms.

But first, if you are simply looking for a higher-paying job, you would be wise to capitalize on your pharmacy tech experience. I would see if your present employer has any programs for professional advancement.

For instance, there are continuing education courses for pharmacy techs who work with chemotherapy, radiopharmaceuticals and in compounding. And there are pharmacy techs who work in home infusion. Any of these specialized areas might give you an opportunity to develop your skills for better pay. But, as you imply, upward mobility is limited, depending on where you work.

A master’s degree in healthcare administration or public health will take two years, although there are accelerated and distance learning programs. Upon graduating you would receive either an MPH – master of public health – or MHA – master of health administration. This is assuming you already have a bachelor’s degree.

If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree, I advise you to get a BS, which will open more doors for you. With a BS, you can look into a pharmacist degree, or a master’s degree, or expand your career search into other, related fields such as biotechnology, or nursing.

To become a pharmacist, it usually takes at least six years of education and training after high school. College students can start a four-year pharmacy program after successfully completing two years of undergraduate course work and passing the PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test).They also complete a series of clinical rotations. There are a few schools that do have accelerated programs. You can find more information at the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education website.